“Dance Moms: Bye Bye Baby” Recap

As expected, this week’s episode was more AWKWARD than it was AWESOME. But it did have a few shining moments. Here are the highlights:

AWKWARD Of course, the death of Abby’s dog, Broadway Baby, is no fun for anyone (except we do get to see some super-cute clips of Baby’s smiley, chubby face, which is precious). When Abby shares the news, everyone is very depressed, but it isn’t until little Mackenzie’s eyes start to water that I lose it. Abby tries (and fails) to put on a brave face: The show must go on! Or at least that’s the plan…Instead, Abby goes missing for a while and spends most of her onscreen time in hysterics.

AWKWARD I’m wondering who gave the moms the idea that changing the group routine’s music and choreography behind Abby’s back was not only a good idea, but a respectful way to honor her dead dog. (My guess is the producers.) Abby’s original idea is a graceful, ballet-based piece, “My Dream Will Be Your Dream” about a peasant girl who’s sick. But while Abby is MIA in mourning, the moms change the music to an upbeat jazz piece about sunshine, or something. Abby gets mad. Shocking! But it’s too late now, so the girls just improv the final routine. Good thing the ALDC is good at fouettés…First place!

AWKWARD The self-titled “Black Patsy” aka Kaya and daughter Nicaya will be at this competition. Good, because it wasn’t already hard enough to keep track of all ALDC’s enemies. I honestly barely remembered this one-episode-wonder. Then she appears, and I realize I blocked her from my memory for a reason. Nicaya’s solo is mediocre at best, but that’s the least of our problems. Kaya gets in everyone’s face right off the bat, and eventually Mom Jill loses it, too. But it’s Kaya who gets shown the door. The competition kicks her out! I’m glad this show finally acknowledges that mothers screaming at each other is not normal or accepted in the competition world.

Maddie, there’s something on your costume.

AWESOME Maddie’s solo (duh). While that costume with a strange bloody heart on it is not my favorite, “Showing You Your Heart” is typical Maddie greatness. Then everything hits the fan because the announcer says Maddie’s dance is dedicated to Broadway Baby. The rest of the moms are bitter because their plan to honor Abby’s dead dog was an epic fail and Melissa actually did things right. How dare she! Gotta say, I rarely take sides with these moms, but I’m on Team Melissa with this one. The tribute was sweet. And Maddie is definitely holding onto that top pyramid spot.

AWESOME I love when Nia gets a solo! This one, “Breakin’ My Heart,” is perfect for her—jazzy and fun, with a super cute costume (Go Mom Holly!). Third place to Nia!

AWESOME Mom Christi and Mom Kelly are friends again. I’m not sure exactly how it happened, but I’m just glad we can leave that silly fight behind us next week, and move on to what actually looks like a great episode. Why? Because Abby’s going speed dating!

And now (drum roll please), the QUOTE OF THE DAY:

“She kept me sane.” —Abby on Broadway Baby

That was sane?!?!

That’s all for this week. See you next week with the results of Abby’s dating experiment. Until then, let me know what you thought of the most recent episode in the comments!